We're still here, too!

We got a Christmas letter this week that started out, “We’re still here, living in the same house, doing pretty much the same thing.” I think my friend was making a disclaimer right up front that this wouldn’t be one of those end-of-the-year letters featuring “outstanding family achievement awards.” In fact, I think she was hinting the letter might be boring.

But I wanted to stand up and applaud. I wanted to shout and to cry and to high-five my friend across the miles for still being here. How many people can say that? My friend went on to say she knew having a stable marriage, a secure job, and a healthy family was a lot to be thankful for.

But I don’t think she had any idea how her words would impact me. It was as if she were saying, “Life may feel rocky. Christmas may be clouded by cancer. Other friends may have disappeared. But we’re still here.”

I’ve been hearing those words over and over all week. I know life hasn’t been easy for her this year. Yet, she is still in the same place, with the same man, doing the same day-to-day things that make the world a better place for more people than she can imagine.

So, I’m going to stand up with her today. I’m going to stare trouble in the face, get a grip on all that is good in our lives, stick out my chin and say, “Yeah. We’re still here!”